The ASPCA has a new poison control hotline
phone number for pets. If you have reason to suspect that
your pet may have been exposed to something toxic, either
internally or externally, this phone number will connect
you with an ASPCA veterinarian

specially
trained to assist pet owners or other vets. This is the
only dedicated animal poison control hotline in the world
manned by veterinarians, not telephone operators. The
number is staffed 24/7.

(888) 4ANI-HELP or (888) 426-4435

Problem

First
Aid Required

Bleeding
(cut, scratch, animal bite)

Apply
pressure to wound until bleeding stops, then bandage. If
bleeding does not stop, apply tourniquet to a bleeding
limb or tail and get to vet immediately. If a foreign
object is lodged in body, do not remove it; wrap a bandage
around it and seek immediate vet care. If dog is bitten by
animal of unknown rabies status, seek emergency vet care.

Blood
in urine/straining to urinate

Seek
veterinary care immediately.

Burn,
chemical

Flush
with cold water and soothe with cold compresses. Seek
veterinary care immediately.

Burn,
thermal

Apply
cold water or cold compress, then disinfectant. Seek
immediate veterinary attention to check lungs for damage
from smoke.

Choking

Remove
obstruction, being careful of bites. If not breathing,
apply artificial respiration only if you know how and seek
veterinary care immediately.

Convulsions

Move
harmful objects away from dog and restrain him gently with
towel. Record all details, including what dog may have
consumed prior. If seizure is longer than five minutes or
repeated, seek veterinary care immediately. Otherwise,
call vet for advice.

Electrocution/electrical
burn

Turn
off power or remove source of electricity without making
direct contact – use broomstick. Seek emergency
veterinary attention.

Slowly
rewarm affected area with heat of your hand, by applying
warm compresses, or by immersing in warm water (102 to 104
F, or 38.9 to 40 C). Seek emergency veterinary care if any
pain, swelling, discharge or discoloration or if skin does
not return to normal after 20 minutes. Otherwise, get to
vet within 24 hours.

Hypothermia (decreased alertness,
weak pulse, shallow breathing)

Slowly
rewarm by wrapping in warm blanket and applying
towel-covered hot-water bottle filled with warm water.
Call vet if dog does not return to normal when warm.